A good head of hair contributes to the feeling of satisfaction that brings peace and joy to a person. Some complain about a receding hairline, loss of hair, stunted hair growth, scalp irritation, and all other issues. All these can be taken care of with the right choice of food. There are lots of nutrients in the food we consume, hence, the need to pay attention to our foods and use it for our own good. Food and fruits can be applied directly to the hair in the right proportion to help it grow.
Here are eight foods (and fruits) that help your hair grow:
1. Guava
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Guava fruits are amazingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. More often than not, hair fall is a direct result of unhealthy scalp conditions. Guava leaves have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that have made it a popular ingredient for maintaining scalp health. It is often used to rinse hair in order to treat scalp issues such as dandruff. It is also rich in B Vitamins and Vitamin C, which nourish the follicles and aid hair growth.
2. Soybeans
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According to Wikipedia, “Soy protein is a protein that is isolated from soybean. It is made from soybean meal that has been dehulled and defatted.” Soy Protein helps in improving hair texture, strengthen it, and repair damaged hair. Consume vegetarian protein powder derived from soy to make your hair look hydrated, shiny, and healthy. Soy extracts have also been shown to reduce another disease causing baldness. Soy seems to be a putative treatment to prevent hair loss, and is less expensive while arguably much safer and healthier than prescription drugs and surgery.
3. Avocado
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One benefit avocados offer is preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. They can also be used to improve the condition of your hair by acting as a moisturizer for dry or damaged hair. Avocados are known for containing the “good” kind of fat. These monounsaturated fatty acids are nutrient-rich and help to develop cells both in and outside of the body, according to the American Heart Association. When you want to restore a shiny look and smooth texture to your hair, an avocado-based deep conditioner is the way to go. It will help to moisturize and strengthen your hair from root to tip.
4. Eggs
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Egg yolks are particularly nutrient-dense and come packed with biotin, vitamins A, D, E, K and folate. They also contain lecithin. An egg contains selenium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. In addition, eggs on the whole offer iron, copper and zinc, as well as a host of B Vitamins, which are the most essential for hair health. Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B5 (pantothenic acid) are good for hair flexibility, strength, and overall wellness. Biotin or Vitamin B7 is especially essential for hair growth, while folic acid deficiency could cause premature greying. Hence eating eggs can help your hair grow properly. You can also apply it directly to the hair and cover for a few minutes before rinsing off.
5. Oatmeal
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Oatmeal is an excellent film former which is great especially for afro‐textured, curly kinky hair. Film seals in moisture and provides a barrier from the harsh elements that surrounds us. The film also works to reduce tangled hair. Oatmeal helps your hair to shine. For afro‐textured hair types, oatmeal will help your hair to have sheen. Sheen is what happens when curly kinky hair has shine. Imagine hair that just glistens like a diamond all because you fed it some good oatmeal?
6. Aloe Vera
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Applying aloe vera to your hair is a very good idea. It forms a protective layer over your hair that keeps it safe from environmental elements and also keeps it consistently hydrated. It can also relieve scalp itchiness and irritation owing to the fact that it has potent anti-pruritic properties. One of the truly amazing benefits of aloe vera for hair is that it can reduce dandruff. This is owing to the fact that it has strong anti-fungal properties.
7. Salmon
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The omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in salmon are essential for scalp health and to keep your hair hydrated. Salmon is also rich in protein, vitamin B12, and iron. These nutrients improve your scalp health, prevent hair fall by providing nourishment to the follicles, promote hair growth, and prevent your hair from looking lackluster. So, you must consume salmon to take care of your hair. However, if you cannot have salmon frequently, you can have fish oil supplements to prevent hair fall.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
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Incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet can go a long way in treating your problem with hair loss. This is because the consumption of pumpkin seeds is known to stimulate hair growth, meaning it can help you grow thick and shiny hair. So if you’re worried about the side effects of commercial hair products and other artificial treatments, then look no further. You should, however, consult your doctor or a dietitian before consuming pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil, as you might be allergic to it. For those who are not allergic to it, the oil can help make your scalp healthier, therefore aiding you in your battle against hair loss in the long term.